This past weekend we were delighted to perform at the Commitment Ceremony of the lovely Kim and Colleen. Saturday was the lone sunny, beautiful, mostly wind-less day all week – a perfect day for an outdoor wedding at the gorgeous Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden in Southeast Portland.

Kim and Colleen chose the “Wedding Ceremony Deluxe” package (see our packages here: http://www.melegarichamberplayers.com/weddings.php). The ensemble they chose to perform for their ceremony was string quartet, trumpet, and tenor. As we worked with the couple on the musical details for their ceremony, we discovered that Kim’s musical style is more contemporary, and Colleen preferred more traditional music. We suggested they use a mix of classical and contemporary music to be performed before, during, and after the ceremony.

The highlight was the recessional music: a custom-made arrangement of “All You Need Is Love” by the Beatles, performed as it was in the wedding scene from the movie “Love Actually.” Our amazing arranger, Evan Kuhlmann (who is a member of the Oregon Symphony, and holds composition and performance degrees from The Juilliard School), wrote a beautiful arrangement! Micah Wilkinson (trumpet, Oregon Symphony) and the amazing tenor Stephen Marc Beaudoin played and sang their hearts out, accompanied by the MCP strings. There was not a dry eye in the house!

As the owner of the Melegari Chamber Players, it is very important to me to work with the musicians of this very high caliber, who have passion for performing, and are the most seasoned, experienced, and professional musicians out there.

Kim’s and Colleen’s other musical selections included:

Schubert’s “Ave Maria” for string quartet – seating of the mothers

Handel’s “Hornpipe” from the Watermusik Suite for string quartet and trumpet – Wedding Party processional

Queen – “Crazy Little Thing Called Love” for string quartet – Ring Warming Ceremony (rings were passed around for each guest to hold and send their love through!”

The Beatles- “All You Need Is Love” for trumpet, string quartet, and tenor – Recessional

Selections performed during the prelude and postlude: Gloria Gaynor’s “I Will Survive,” The Police – “Every Breath You Take,” The Beatles “Blackbird,” and “Sweet Dreams Are Made Of This” by Annie Lennox and the Eurythmics. All of these are arrangements for string quartet.

Best wishes and many thanks to the beautiful brides! I hope someday the State of Oregon will wake up and recognize their commitment as well.